Neal Layton, A climate in chaos and how you can help, Wren & Rook, August 2020, 32 pp., RRP $15.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781526362315
This non-fiction picture book clearly explains climate change for the young reader. After outlining the creation of the planet and various systems developing, Layton explains the carbon and oxygen cycles and the equilibrium that existed before humans began upsetting this balance. The fact that a layer of greenhouse gases is needed to keep some warmth for the survival of living things on the planet is pointed out before the consequence of human’s activities over the last 200 years. Since the industrial revolution, this layer of greenhouse gases has become thicker, and as a result warmed our planet.
Layton distinguishes climate from weather, an important aspect, and shows how climate change is affecting our living planet. He points out that scientists first realised the planet was warming up 70 years ago and I am sure many young readers will ask why more has not been done. Thankfully there are things we can still do, and some countries have made some good progress. Readers will also learn how they can make a difference at home. The illustrations, some using mixed media, are informative and entertaining. This book will do well in all school and public libraries.
Reviewed by Liz Deroeut
